Original article (subscription may be required): http://www.autonews.com/article/20130902/OEM04/309029957/dodge-seeks-to-craft-image-for-midpriced-performance#ixzz2dkWNJCEvDurango: The re-engineered Durango goes on sale this fall with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler's latest interior electronics. These are likely to be the last upgrades for the Durango, which will be replaced in 2015 by a large Jeep SUV, the Grand Wagoneer.
Grand Caravan replacement: The Grand Caravan name could live on in Canada as a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country when the redesigned minivan debuts in 2015. In place of the Grand Caravan in the United States, expect Dodge to offer in 2015 a shorter-wheelbase crossover with three rows of seats.
Journey: The Journey will be dropped in 2015 and replaced by a Chrysler crossover. Production will move from Mexico to the United States.
so true....jerseyjoe said:its a rumor till it's a reality.
They didn't say Model Year 15. THey said 2015, which could easily mean model year 2016, which would give it a 2-3 year refresh lifespan which is pretty normal. That being said if the refresh starts selling like crazy, my guess would be the plan will change. Nothing is set in stone.SUNBURNTsnype said:Why would they put all the work and certification and testing into refreshing the Durango, just to sell it for only 1 model year?
And then look at how long they decided to keep Avenger around, after everyone thought it was a dinosaur and was well past its life cycle.
I think if they keep seeing good numbers out of Durango, and it keeps gaining ground like it has this past year, they'll keep it around quite a bit longer. Especially considering how little we've heard of the wagoneer; i cant imagine they're far enough along with that product to have it to market by MY '15.
Of course this is all me just reasoning based on no real facts or info, so those of you who actually know real info, please correct me.
the problem I see us that Chrysler is essentially turning their backs on everyone that bought a Durango and finally managed to build up some Brand credence and trust with. I mean once they make Wagoneer upmarket, it will be well out of price range for the majority of Durango owners, and it sounds like everything else that will have 3 rows will be FWD based like Journey or not have the towing capabilities of Durango. Essentially, Chrysler can kiss goodbye everyone who bought Durango looking for those qualities, as the only other optio s will probably be Tahoe/Yukon and Expedition.suzq044 said:Yeah, i know.. it's unfortunate. I was just hoping for the Wagoneer to be more of a JK "variation".. but not expected. Since most people in that (higher) range, in the US, anyway, do not offroad their $60k+ vehicles.
which i find a little odd as i think that is the best looking version of the bunch. I was actually considering a magnum, as i love the muscular look, rear drive and utility of a wagon. Id love yo find a nice '08 SRT someday. Though I never understood why there werent 3 seatbelts in the back?UN4GTBL said:RE: Durango being dumped after a refresh...remember the refreshed 2008 Magnum that sold for just 6 months
They were losing money on the Magnum. It's very easy to drop an unprofitable product.UN4GTBL said:RE: Durango being dumped after a refresh...remember the refreshed 2008 Magnum that sold for just 6 months
Now that they announced the 3.0, wouldn't it make sense to drop it into the Dart?Erik Latranyi said:I am curious how Dodge, that sells by using more incentives than Chrysler or Jeep, is going to move up to "mid-priced performance"?
Dodge is affordable performance, cheap performance, or sporty mainstream vehicles. Moving it up to "mid-priced" (whatever that really means) is no small feat.
Great point ...Jeepnut said:Yes but how much weight would that add to an already heavy car?